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The number of rough sleepers in Enfield increases by 250 per cent, figures reveal

Homelessness in Enfield has surged by 250 per cent since 2010, new figures have revealed.

According to housing charity Shelter, the number of rough sleepers in the borough has increased from 18 in 2010 to 63 in 2013.

The figures also showed that the average rent in the borough currently consumes 46 per cent of household income.

Edmonton MP Andy Love said: “With rising transport and energy bills and the cost of living crisis, people’s disposable incomes are being eroded further. Under the coalition Government, house building has fallen to the lowest levels since 1924 and Boris Johnson has missed every single one of his own targets for building new affordable homes.

“It’s no surprise that these worrying new homelessness figures come at a time when the Government continue to push through its chaotic welfare reforms, while showing such complacency on the housing crisis in London.

"Until the Government provide real backing for councils wanting to invest in affordable homes and get rents down, it’s likely these homelessness figures will get worse before they get any better.”

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